HC Deb 25 March 1976 vol 908 cc636-7
Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Because of your appeal to the House, I shall make my points only in outline and write to you on the details. I do not necessarily ask you to rule on this matter today.

I wish to put to you, Mr. Speaker, the fact that last night there was a breach of Standing Order for Private Business No. 168 by reason of the fact that Clause 5 of the British Transport Docks (Felixstowe) Bill was not in italics, although the Money Resolution clearly implied that Clause 5 authorised a withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund. That brings the matter within "Erskine May", page 736, line 18.

I also wish to draw your attention to the fact that Section 19(2)(c) of the Transport Act 1962 authorises Government loans for acquiring an undertaking or part of an undertaking". Paragraph (e) talks about subscribing for or acquiring securities of a body corporate, otherwise than by way of investment". Section 21(3) makes it clear that Any sums required by the Treasury for fulfilling any guarantee under this section shall be charged on … the Consolidated Fund. I shall endeavour to substantiate these points in more detailed written evidence.

Mr. Speaker

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman—he does not know how grateful—that he does not wish me to answer today. However, I shall seek to do so on Monday.